Cognitive-behavioral treatment of online role-playing videogames: Proposal of treatment and a case study

Abstract

This article provides a proposal of cognitive-behavioral treatment for video game addiction. A clinical case (a 21 years old man with serious problems caused by the excessive use of videogames) is presented. The intervention phases are explained. The results obtained have been analyzed using a case study design. After thirteen weekly sessions, the patient showed a significant decrease in the amount of time spent using computer and gaming, as well as an improvement of personal and social functioning. The efficacy of the program applied is discussed.